U.S. patent application number 14/981634 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-29 for systems and methods for providing progressive images based on image features.
The applicant listed for this patent is Facebook, Inc.. Invention is credited to Georges Edouard Maurice Berenger, Daniel Colascione, Francislav P. Penov, George Siqiao Wang.
Application Number | 20170186137 14/981634 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59086481 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170186137 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berenger; Georges Edouard Maurice ;
et al. |
June 29, 2017 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING PROGRESSIVE IMAGES BASED ON IMAGE
FEATURES
Abstract
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media can
acquire an image. At least one image processing technique can be
applied to the image. One or more first portions of the image that
depict one or more objects can be identified based on the at least
one image processing technique. A progressive image including a
plurality of scans that prioritizes the one or more first portions
of the image over one or more second portions of the image can be
generated for the image.
Inventors: |
Berenger; Georges Edouard
Maurice; (Menlo Park, CA) ; Penov; Francislav P.;
(Kirkland, WA) ; Colascione; Daniel; (Seattle,
WA) ; Wang; George Siqiao; (San Mateo, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Facebook, Inc. |
Menlo Park |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59086481 |
Appl. No.: |
14/981634 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 9/3233 20130101;
G06T 3/4092 20130101; G06T 9/00 20130101; G06K 9/00677 20130101;
G06T 2210/36 20130101; G06K 9/00228 20130101; G06K 9/00288
20130101; G06K 9/2054 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06T 3/40 20060101
G06T003/40; G06K 9/20 20060101 G06K009/20; G06T 5/00 20060101
G06T005/00; G06T 7/00 20060101 G06T007/00; G06K 9/00 20060101
G06K009/00 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: acquiring, by a
computing system, an image; applying, by the computing system, at
least one image processing technique to the image; identifying, by
the computing system, based on the at least one image processing
technique, one or more first portions of the image that depict one
or more objects; and generating, by the computing system, for the
image, a progressive image including a plurality of scans that
prioritizes the one or more first portions of the image over one or
more second portions of the image.
2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein generating,
for the image, the progressive image including the plurality of
scans further comprises: representing the one or more first
portions of the image based on one or more first scans in the
plurality of scans; representing the one or more second portions
based on one or more second scans in the plurality of scans; and
organizing the plurality of scans such that the one or more first
scans are ordered before the one or more second scans.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
acquiring, from a requester, a request to transmit the image;
transmitting, to the requester, one or more first scans in the
plurality of scans, the one or more first scans representing the
one or more first portions; and transmitting, to the requester, one
or more second scans in the plurality of scans, the one or more
second scans representing the one or more second portions.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the one or
more first portions of the image that depict the one or more
objects are displayable, for the requester, prior to the one or
more second portions of the image being displayable.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein identifying,
based on the at least one image processing technique, the one or
more first portions further comprises: applying at least one of an
object detection process or an object recognition process to the
image.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein identifying,
based on the at least one image processing technique, the one or
more first portions further comprises: identifying, based on the
object detection process, one or more positions within the image at
which the one or more objects are located.
7. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein identifying,
based on the at least one image processing technique, the one or
more first portions further comprises: identifying, based on the
object recognition process, one or more positions within the image
at which the one or more objects are located, and wherein one or
more identifiers for the one or more objects are determined based
on the object recognition process.
8. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein the object
detection process includes a face detection algorithm, wherein the
object recognition process includes a face recognition
algorithm.
9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
progressive image corresponds to a progressive JPEG, and wherein
the plurality of scans corresponds to a plurality of progressive
JPEG scans.
10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the one or
more objects includes at least one of a face, a product, a logo, a
landmark, or an action.
11. A system comprising: at least one processor; and a memory
storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one
processor, cause the system to perform: acquiring an image;
applying at least one image processing technique to the image;
identifying, based on the at least one image processing technique,
one or more first portions of the image that depict one or more
objects; and generating, for the image, a progressive image
including a plurality of scans that prioritizes the one or more
first portions of the image over one or more second portions of the
image.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein generating, for the image, the
progressive image including the plurality of scans further
comprises: representing the one or more first portions of the image
based on one or more first scans in the plurality of scans;
representing the one or more second portions based on one or more
second scans in the plurality of scans; and organizing the
plurality of scans such that the one or more first scans are
ordered before the one or more second scans.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the instructions cause the
system to further perform: acquiring, from a requester, a request
to transmit the image; transmitting, to the requester, one or more
first scans in the plurality of scans, the one or more first scans
representing the one or more first portions; and transmitting, to
the requester, one or more second scans in the plurality of scans,
the one or more second scans representing the one or more second
portions.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more first portions
of the image that depict the one or more objects are displayable,
for the requester, prior to the one or more second portions of the
image being displayable.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein identifying, based on the at
least one image processing technique, the one or more first
portions further comprises: applying at least one of an object
detection process or an object recognition process to the
image.
16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including
instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a
computing system, cause the computing system to perform a method
comprising: acquiring an image; applying at least one image
processing technique to the image; identifying, based on the at
least one image processing technique, one or more first portions of
the image that depict one or more objects; and generating, for the
image, a progressive image including a plurality of scans that
prioritizes the one or more first portions of the image over one or
more second portions of the image.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
16, wherein generating, for the image, the progressive image
including the plurality of scans further comprises: representing
the one or more first portions of the image based on one or more
first scans in the plurality of scans; representing the one or more
second portions based on one or more second scans in the plurality
of scans; and organizing the plurality of scans such that the one
or more first scans are ordered before the one or more second
scans.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
16, wherein the instructions cause the system to further perform:
acquiring, from a requester, a request to transmit the image;
transmitting, to the requester, one or more first scans in the
plurality of scans, the one or more first scans representing the
one or more first portions; and transmitting, to the requester, one
or more second scans in the plurality of scans, the one or more
second scans representing the one or more second portions.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
18, wherein the one or more first portions of the image that depict
the one or more objects are displayable, for the requester, prior
to the one or more second portions of the image being
displayable.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
16, wherein identifying, based on the at least one image processing
technique, the one or more first portions further comprises:
applying at least one of an object detection process or an object
recognition process to the image.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present technology relates to the field of multimedia or
media content processing. More particularly, the present technology
relates to techniques for providing progressive images based on
image features.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Today, people often utilize computing devices (or systems)
for a wide variety of purposes. Users can use their computing
devices to, for example, interact with one another, access content,
share content, and create content. In some cases, users can utilize
their computing devices to download, view, or otherwise access
media content. For instance, users of a social networking system
(or service) can, via their computing devices, access their feeds
or other users' profiles to view various posts that include media
content items, such as images. In another instance, users can
utilize their computing devices to view or access images via web
resources, such as webpages, websites, or online applications.
[0003] Under conventional approaches rooted in computer technology,
transmitting an entire image at its full, original file size can,
in some cases, require a significant amount of data. In some
instances, users' computing devices may have limited data access,
such as due to restrictive or costly cellular data plans. In some
cases, the network conditions for users' computing devices may
cause data transmission to be slow or unreliable. As such, under
conventional approaches, receiving images to be displayed at the
users' computing devices can often times consume significant
amounts of time or resources. Accordingly, conventional approaches
can create challenges for or reduce the overall experience
associated with accessing or utilizing media content such as
images.
SUMMARY
[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include
systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media
configured to acquire an image. At least one image processing
technique can be applied to the image. One or more first portions
of the image that depict one or more objects can be identified
based on the at least one image processing technique, such as with
or without hints from a human (e.g., a user of the disclosed
technology, an agent/representative for a service that provides the
disclosed technology, etc.). A progressive image including a
plurality of scans that prioritizes the one or more first portions
of the image over one or more second portions of the image can be
generated for the image.
[0005] In an embodiment, generating, for the image, the progressive
image including the plurality of scans can further comprise
representing the one or more first portions of the image based on
one or more first scans in the plurality of scans. The one or more
second portions can be represented based on one or more second
scans in the plurality of scans. The plurality of scans can be
organized such that the one or more first scans are ordered before
the one or more second scans.
[0006] In an embodiment, a request to transmit the image can be
acquired from a requester. One or more first scans in the plurality
of scans can be transmitted to the requester. The one or more first
scans can represent the one or more first portions. One or more
second scans in the plurality of scans can be transmitted to the
requester. The one or more second scans can represent the one or
more second portions. In some cases, one or more first higher
quality details associated with the one or more first portions can
be prioritized over one or more second higher quality details
associated with the one or more second portions. The one or more
first scans can, for instance, incorporate or represent the one or
more first higher quality details and the one or more second scans
can incorporate or represent the one or more second higher quality
details.
[0007] In an embodiment, the one or more first portions of the
image that depict the one or more objects can be displayable, for
the requester, prior to the one or more second portions of the
image being displayable. In some cases, the one or more first
higher quality details associated with the one or more first
portions can be displayable prior to the one or more second higher
quality details associated with the one or more second portions. In
one example, the one or more first portions can be displayed in
higher quality detail (e.g., sharp) while the remainder of the
image (including the one or more second portions) can be displayed
in lower quality detail (e.g., blurry). In this example, as more
data is transmitted over time, the remainder of the image including
the one or more second portions can be displayed in higher quality
detail.
[0008] In one instance, a user of the disclosed technology can see
or visibly perceive that an image shows a portrait of a person at
the beach (e.g., the user can visibly perceive sufficient lower
quality details to recognize that the image generally portrays a
person at a beach). In this instance, the disclosed technology can
enable the details of the face of the person to become displayable
before the details of the beach (and/or before the details of the
background, which can include other people, boats, or animals,
etc., that are behind the person). All examples herein are provided
for illustrative purposes and many variations are possible.
[0009] In some cases, earlier scans can include or represent lower
quality details covering the entire scene of an image. Next scans
can include or represent higher quality details for selected
important features, such as an image portion(s) in which an
object(s) is detected. In some implementations, these next scans
can progress in stages of increasing quality. Further scans can
include or represent higher quality details for non-selected
important features and/or for the remaining portion(s) of the
image. It is contemplated that many variations are possible. In one
example, the scans can progress from including or representing
lower quality details for the entire image, to medium quality
details for important features, to medium quality details for less
important features, to higher quality details for the important
features, to medium quality details for image portions that have
not yet been transmitted, to maximum quality details for the
important features, to higher quality details for the less
important features, to higher quality details for the remaining
portion(s) of the image, to maximum quality details for the less
important features, and to maximum quality details for the
remaining portion(s) of the image. Again, many variations are
possible.
[0010] In an embodiment, identifying, based on the at least one
image processing technique, the one or more first portions can
further comprise applying at least one of an object detection
process or an object recognition process to the image.
[0011] In an embodiment, identifying, based on the at least one
image processing technique, the one or more first portions can be
further comprise identifying, based on the object detection
process, one or more positions within the image at which the one or
more objects are located. In some cases, object
detection/recognition can be used to determine relative depth
locations of objects with respect to one other, such that
foreground scans can be prioritized over background scans. In one
instance, a first person may be depicted in the foreground of an
image and a second person may be depicted behind the first person.
In this instance, the relative depth order can be used, at least in
part, to prioritize which facial higher details to transmit
first.
[0012] In an embodiment, identifying, based on the at least one
image processing technique, the one or more first portions can
further comprise identifying, based on the object recognition
process, one or more positions within the image at which the one or
more objects are located. One or more identifiers for the one or
more objects can be determined based on the object recognition
process.
[0013] In an embodiment, the object detection process can include a
face detection algorithm. The object recognition process can
include a face recognition algorithm.
[0014] In an embodiment, the object detection process can be
facilitated by the user of the disclosed technology, and/or by an
agent/representative for a service that provides the disclosed
technology.
[0015] In an embodiment, the progressive image can correspond to a
progressive JPEG. The plurality of scans can correspond to a
plurality of progressive JPEG scans.
[0016] In an embodiment, the one or more objects can include at
least one of a face, a product, a logo, a landmark, or an
action.
[0017] It should be appreciated that many other features,
applications, embodiments, and/or variations of the disclosed
technology will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from
the following detailed description. Additional and/or alternative
implementations of the structures, systems, non-transitory computer
readable media, and methods described herein can be employed
without departing from the principles of the disclosed
technology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system including an example
feature-based progressive media module configured to facilitate
providing progressive images based on image features, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 2A illustrates an example media processing module
configured to facilitate providing progressive images based on
image features, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 2B illustrates an example progressive media scan module
configured to facilitate providing progressive images based on
image features, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 3A illustrates an example scenario associated with
providing progressive images based on image features, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 3B illustrates an example scenario associated with
providing progressive images based on image features, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an example method associated with
providing progressive images based on image features, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 5A illustrates an example method associated with
providing progressive images based on image features, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 5B illustrates an example method associated with
providing progressive images based on image features, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a network diagram of an example system
including an example social networking system that can be utilized
in various scenarios, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a computer system or
computing device that can be utilized in various scenarios,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] The figures depict various embodiments of the disclosed
technology for purposes of illustration only, wherein the figures
use like reference numerals to identify like elements. One skilled
in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion
that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods
illustrated in the figures can be employed without departing from
the principles of the disclosed technology described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Providing Progressive Images Based on Image Features
[0029] People use computing systems (or devices) for various
purposes. Users can utilize their computing systems to establish
connections, engage in communications, interact with one another,
and/or interact with various types of content. In some cases, a
user of a computing device can access media content. For example,
the user can utilize his or her computing device to access a social
networking system (or service). In this example, the user can
download, view, or otherwise interact with a media content item,
such as an image, via the user's newsfeed, via pages associated
with other entities, and/or via profiles associated with other
users of the social networking system. In another example, the user
can view or access images (including videos or sets of video image
frames) via various resources, such as webpages, websites,
applications, and/or local albums, etc.
[0030] Under conventional approaches rooted in computer technology
for media processing, often times media content items such as
images are transmitted at their full, original file sizes.
Transmission of such images at their full file sizes can require
significant or non-trivial amounts of data. However, allowable data
usage for users' computing devices can, in some cases, be limited
due various factors such as the users' storage space and/or data
plans (e.g., cellular data plans). Also, in some instances, users
with computing devices that are experiencing poor network
conditions may have to wait substantial durations of time before
images can be received and become displayable at their computing
devices. In accordance with conventional approaches rooted in
computer technology, having to wait for an image to download and be
displayed can, in many cases, decrease user interest, interaction,
and/or engagement with the image. Accordingly, such conventional
approaches to media processing can be inefficient or
inconvenient.
[0031] Due to these or other concerns, conventional approaches can
be disadvantageous or problematic. Therefore, an improved approach
can be beneficial for addressing or alleviating various drawbacks
associated with conventional approaches. Based on computer
technology, the disclosed technology can provide progressive images
based on image features. Various embodiments of the present
disclosure can include systems, methods, and non-transitory
computer readable media configured to acquire an image. At least
one image processing technique can be applied to the image. One or
more first portions of the image that depict one or more objects
can be identified based on the at least one image processing
technique. A progressive image including a plurality of scans that
prioritizes the one or more first portions of the image over one or
more second portions of the image can be generated for the image.
It is contemplated that there can be many variations and/or other
possibilities associated with the disclosed technology.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 including an
example feature-based progressive media module 102 configured to
facilitate providing progressive images based on image features,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in
the example of FIG. 1, the feature-based progressive media module
102 can include a media acquisition module 104, a media processing
module 106, and a progressive media scan module 108. In some
instances, the example system 100 can include at least one data
store 110. The components (e.g., modules, elements, etc.) shown in
this figure and all figures herein are exemplary only, and other
implementations may include additional, fewer, integrated, or
different components. Some components may not be shown so as not to
obscure relevant details.
[0033] In some embodiments, the feature-based progressive media
module 102 can be implemented, in part or in whole, as software,
hardware, or any combination thereof. In general, a module as
discussed herein can be associated with software, hardware, or any
combination thereof. In some implementations, one or more
functions, tasks, and/or operations of modules can be carried out
or performed by software routines, software processes, hardware,
and/or any combination thereof. In some cases, the feature-based
progressive media module 102 can be implemented, in part or in
whole, as software running on one or more computing devices or
systems, such as on a user or client computing device. For example,
the feature-based progressive media module 102 or at least a
portion thereof can be implemented as or within an application
(e.g., app), a program, an applet, or an operating system, etc.,
running on a user computing device or a client computing system,
such as the user device 610 of FIG. 6. In another example, the
feature-based progressive media module 102 or at least a portion
thereof can be implemented using one or more computing devices or
systems that include one or more servers, such as network servers
or cloud servers. In some instances, the feature-based progressive
media module 102 can, in part or in whole, be implemented within or
configured to operate in conjunction with a social networking
system (or service), such as the social networking system 630 of
FIG. 6. It should be appreciated that there can be many variations
or other possibilities.
[0034] The media acquisition module 104 can be configured to
facilitate acquiring one or more media content items, such as one
or more images (including video image frames). In some
implementations, the media acquisition module 104 can acquire a
media content item by retrieving, receiving, identifying, and/or
selecting, etc., the media content item. In one example, a user of
a social networking system can upload or provide the media content
item, such as an image, which can be acquired by the media
acquisition module 104. In another example, the media content item
can be acquired by the media acquisition module 104 based on a
system setting or command. It should be appreciated that all
examples herein are provided for illustrative purposes and that
many variations are possible.
[0035] The media processing module 106 can be configured to
facilitate applying at least one media (or image) processing
technique to the image. The media processing module 106 can be
further configured to facilitate identifying, based on the at least
one media (or image) processing technique, one or more first
portions of the image that depict one or more features or objects.
For example, the media processing module 106 can apply at least one
image processing technique to the image in order to detect or
recognize an image feature, such as an object of interest depicted
in a particular portion(s) of the image. More details regarding the
media processing module 106 will be provided below with reference
to FIG. 2A.
[0036] The progressive media scan module 108 can be configured to
facilitate generating, for the image, a progressive image including
a plurality of scans that prioritizes the one or more first
portions of the image over one or more second portions of the
image. For instance, the progressive media scan module 108 can
cause a particular image portion that depicts an image feature or
an object of interest to be represented by a first scan in a
plurality of progressive image scans representing the image. In
this instance, the progressive media scan module 108 can cause
other image portions not depicting image features or objects to be
represented by other scans that are ranked lower than the first
scan. The progressive media scan module 108 will be discussed in
more detail below with reference to FIG. 2B.
[0037] Additionally, in some embodiments, the feature-based
progressive media module 102 can be configured to communicate
and/or operate with the at least one data store 110, as shown in
the example system 100. The at least one data store 110 can be
configured to store and maintain various types of data. In some
implementations, the at least one data store 110 can store
information associated with the social networking system (e.g., the
social networking system 630 of FIG. 6). The information associated
with the social networking system can include data about users,
social connections, social interactions, locations, geo-fenced
areas, maps, places, events, pages, groups, posts, communications,
content, feeds, account settings, privacy settings, a social graph,
and various other types of data. In some implementations, the at
least one data store 110 can store information associated with
users, such as user identifiers, user information, profile
information, user locations, user specified settings, content
produced or posted by users, and various other types of user data.
In some embodiments, the at least one data store 110 can store
information that is utilized by the feature-based progressive media
module 102. Again, it is contemplated that there can be many
variations or other possibilities associated with the disclosed
technology.
[0038] FIG. 2A illustrates an example media processing module 202
configured to facilitate providing progressive images based on
image features, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. In some embodiments, the media processing module 108 of
FIG. 1 can be implemented as the media processing module 202. As
shown in the example of FIG. 2A, the media processing module 202
can include a feature detection module 204 and a feature
recognition module 206.
[0039] As discussed previously, the media processing module 202 can
be configured to facilitate applying at least one media (or image)
processing technique to an acquired image. The media processing
module 202 can also be configured to facilitate identifying, based
on the at least one media (or image) processing technique, one or
more first portions of the image that depict one or more features,
such as one or more objects, as discussed above. Examples of the
one or more objects can include, but are not limited to, at least
one of a face, a product, a logo, a landmark, or an action,
etc.
[0040] In some implementations, the media processing module 202 can
identify, based on the at least one media or image processing
technique, the one or more first portions by applying at least one
of a feature (e.g., object) detection process or a feature (e.g.,
object) recognition process to the image. The media processing
module 202 can utilize the feature detection module 204 to apply
the feature detection process for detecting the one or more
features. The media processing module 202 can utilize the feature
recognition module 206 to apply the feature recognition process for
recognizing the one or more features.
[0041] In some embodiments, the feature detection module 204 can
apply an object detection process to the image in order to detect
one or more objects depicted in the image. The feature detection
module 204 can identify, based on the object detection process, one
or more positions within the image at which the one or more objects
are located. In one example, the object detection process can
include a face detection algorithm applied by the feature detection
module 204 to the image in order to detect one or more faces (i.e.,
face objects) depicted in the image. In this example, the face
detection algorithm can determine where in the image the one or
more faces, if any, are depicted or displayed.
[0042] In some implementations, the feature recognition module 206
can apply an object recognition process to the image in order to
recognize one or more objects depicted in the image. The feature
recognition module 206 can identify, based on the object
recognition process, one or more positions within the image at
which the one or objects are located and/or can determine, based on
the object recognition process, one or more identifiers for the one
or more objects. For instance, the object recognition process can
include a face recognition algorithm applied by the feature
recognition module 206 in order to detect where one or more faces
(i.e., face objects), if any, are depicted in the image and/or in
order to identify the names of the users associated with the
faces.
[0043] In some implementations, feature or object detection can be
facilitated by a user of the disclosed technology (e.g., an
original user submitting the media), and/or by an
agent/representative for a service that provides the disclosed
technology.
[0044] Again, it is contemplated that all examples herein are
provided for illustrative purposes and that there can be many
variations or other possibilities associated with the disclosed
technology. For example, in some implementations, the at least one
media or image processing technique can include an image
classification algorithm configured to detect, recognize, and/or
classify faces, products, logos, landmarks, actions, and/or other
objects, etc.
[0045] FIG. 2B illustrates an example progressive media scan module
222 configured to facilitate providing progressive images based on
image features, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. In some embodiments, the progressive media scan module
108 of FIG. 1 can be implemented as the example progressive media
scan module 222. As shown in FIG. 2B, the progressive media scan
module 222 can include a representation module 224, an organization
module 226, and a transmission module 228.
[0046] As discussed above, the progressive media scan module 222
can be configured to facilitate generating, for an acquired image,
a progressive image including a plurality of scans that prioritizes
one or more first portions of the image over one or more second
portions of the image. In some cases, the progressive image can
correspond to a progressive JPEG. In some instances, the plurality
of scans can correspond to a plurality of progressive JPEG scans.
Moreover, the one or more first portions can include one or more
features or objects of interest depicted in the image. The one or
more second portions can exclude one or more features or objects of
interest, or can include one or more features or objects that are
less interesting/relevant (e.g., that are less interesting/relevant
than those in the first portions, that do not meet a specified
threshold level based on measured interest/relevance metrics or
confidence scores, etc.). Examples of such features or objects that
are less interesting/relevant can include, but are not limited to,
background objects and scenic objects.
[0047] In some embodiments, a lower quality representation of the
image can be transmitted initially. Then higher or better quality
representations of important features detected in the image can be
transmitted. In some cases, the quality for the important features
can be progressively increased to the maximum level. Subsequently,
higher or better quality representations of less important features
and/or of the remaining image can then be transmitted. As discussed
above, many variations are possible.
[0048] In some embodiments, the progressive media scan module 222
can utilize the representation module 224 to represent the one or
more first portions of the image based on one or more first scans
in the plurality of scans. The progressive media scan module 222
can also utilize the representation module 224 to represent the one
or more second portions based on one or more second scans in the
plurality of scans. In some implementations, the progressive media
scan module 222 can utilize the organization module 226 to organize
the plurality of scans such that the one or more first scans are
ordered before (e.g., sorted in front of, ranked higher than, etc.)
the one or more second scans.
[0049] In some embodiments, higher quality details,
representations, or versions of image portions that are not
identified, detected, or determined to be sufficiently important
may not be transmitted at all. In some cases, this decision not to
transmit such image portions can be made automatically with a
system that monitors bandwidth/network performance, and/or via one
or more user settings. Again, many variations are possible.
[0050] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the progressive media scan
module 222 can acquire (e.g., receive, retrieve, etc.), from a
requester, a request to transmit the image. The progressive media
scan module 222 can utilize the transmission module 228 to
transmit, to the requester, one or more first scans in the
plurality of scans. The one or more first scans can represent the
one or more first portions. The progressive media scan module 222
can also utilize the transmission module 228 to transmit, to the
requester, one or more second scans in the plurality of scans. The
one or more second scans can represent the one or more second
portions. In some cases, one or more first higher quality details
associated with the one or more first portions can be prioritized
over one or more second higher quality details associated with the
one or more second portions. The one or more first scans can, for
instance, incorporate or represent the one or more first higher
quality details and the one or more second scans can incorporate or
represent the one or more second higher quality details. In some
cases, the one or more first scans can be transmitted by the
transmission module 228 prior to the one or more second scans being
transmitted by the transmission module 228. As such, the one or
more first portions of the image that depict the one or more
objects can be displayable, for the requester, prior to the one or
more second portions of the image being displayable. Again, it
should be appreciated that many variations associated with the
disclosed technology are possible.
[0051] In some embodiments, the one or more first higher quality
details associated with the one or more first portions can be
displayable prior to the one or more second higher quality details
associated with the one or more second portions. In one example,
the one or more first portions can be displayed in higher quality
detail (e.g., sharp) while the remainder of the image (including
the one or more second portions) can be displayed in lower quality
detail (e.g., blurry). In this example, as more data is transmitted
over time, the remainder of the image including the one or more
second portions can be displayed in higher quality detail.
[0052] In one instance, a user of the disclosed technology can see
or visibly perceive that an image shows a portrait of a person at
the beach (e.g., the user can visibly perceive sufficient lower
quality details to recognize that the image generally portrays a
person at a beach). In this instance, the disclosed technology can
enable the details of the face of the person to become displayable
before the details of the beach (and/or before the details of the
background, which can include other people, boats, or animals,
etc., that are behind the person). All examples herein are provided
for illustrative purposes and many variations are possible.
[0053] In some cases, earlier scans can include or represent lower
quality details covering the entire scene of an image. Next scans
can include or represent higher quality details for selected
important features, such as an image portion(s) in which an
object(s) is detected. In some implementations, these next scans
can progress in stages of increasing quality. Further scans can
include or represent higher quality details for non-selected
important features and/or for the remaining portion(s) of the
image. It is contemplated that many variations are possible. In one
example, the scans can progress from including or representing
lower quality details for the entire image, to medium quality
details for important features, to medium quality details for less
important features, to higher quality details for the important
features, to medium quality details for image portions that have
not yet been transmitted, to maximum quality details for the
important features, to higher quality details for the less
important features, to higher quality details for the remaining
portion(s) of the image, to maximum quality details for the less
important features, and to maximum quality details for the
remaining portion(s) of the image. Again, many variations are
possible.
[0054] FIG. 3A illustrates an example scenario 300 associated with
providing progressive images based on image features, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. The example scenario 300
illustrates an example image 302. In the image 302, there can be a
first image portion 304 that depicts an object of interest, such as
a user's face (i.e., face object). In the image 302, there can also
be one or more second image portions 306 that do not depict objects
or that depict objects that are less interesting or relevant.
[0055] In some implementations, the disclosed technology can
generate a progressive image for the image 302 (e.g., a progressive
JPEG version of the image 302) that includes a plurality of scans
(e.g., a plurality of progressive JPEG scans) 308 that prioritizes
the first portion 304 of the image over the one or more second
portions 306 of the image. In some cases, if the image 302 is
already a progressive image (e.g., but one that does not
intentionally prioritize the first portion 304 over the second
portions 306), then the disclosed technology can modify, adjust,
and/or otherwise generate (or regenerate) the progressive image
such that the progressive image includes the plurality of scans 308
which prioritizes the first portion 304 over the one or more second
portions 306.
[0056] In this example scenario 300, the disclosed technology can
cause the first portion 304 to be represented using a particular
scan 310 in the plurality of scans 308 and can cause the one or
more second portions 306 to be represented using one or more other
scans in the plurality of scans 308. The plurality of scans 308 can
be organized, structured, modified, and/or adjusted, etc., such
that the particular scan 310 is ordered before, sorted in front of,
and/or ranked higher than, etc., the one or more other scans in the
plurality of scans 308. Accordingly, when a request to transmit the
image 302 is received, the particular scan 310 can be transmitted
prior to the one or more other scans being transmitted. It should
be understood that there can be many variations or other
possibilities.
[0057] FIG. 3B illustrates an example scenario 320 associated with
providing progressive images based on image features, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. The example scenario 320
illustrates an example image 322, such as the example image 302 of
FIG. 3A. In the example scenario 320 of FIG. 3B, the example image
322 is being transmitted to a requester, such as a viewing
user.
[0058] As shown, the image 322 can include a first image portion
324 that depicts an object of interest, such as a face (i.e., face
object). In the image 322, there can also be one or more second
image portions 326 that do not depict objects or that depict
objects that are less interesting or relevant. In this example
scenario 320, the image 322 can be associated with a progressive
image with a plurality of scans including a first scan that
represents the first image portion 324 and one or more second scans
that represent the one or more second portions 326. In this
example, the first scan can be transmitted to the requester prior
to the one or more second scans being transmitted. As such, the
first portion 324 of the image that depicts the face (which can be
more interesting/relevant to the viewing user) is displayable for
the viewing user (e.g., via the viewing user's computing device)
prior to the one or more second portions 326 being displayable. (In
this example, the second portions are still being loaded.)
Accordingly, the viewing user can more efficiently view interesting
objects in the image 322 and thus can have an improved viewing
experience of the image 322 even when there are network limitations
or data restrictions. Again, many variations associated with the
disclosed technology are possible.
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates an example method 400 associated with
providing progressive images based on image features, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated
that there can be additional, fewer, or alternative steps performed
in similar or alternative orders, or in parallel, within the scope
of the various embodiments unless otherwise stated.
[0060] At block 402, the example method 400 can acquire an image.
At block 404, the example method 400 can apply at least one image
processing technique to the image. At block 406, the example method
400 can identify, based on the at least one image processing
technique (and/or based on manual effort), one or more first
portions of the image that depict one or more objects. At block
408, the example method 400 can generate, for the image, a
progressive image including a plurality of scans that prioritizes
the one or more first portions of the image over one or more second
portions of the image.
[0061] FIG. 5A illustrates an example method 500 associated with
providing progressive images based on image features, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed, it should be
understood that there can be additional, fewer, or alternative
steps performed in similar or alternative orders, or in parallel,
within the scope of the various embodiments unless otherwise
stated.
[0062] At block 502, the example method 500 can represent the one
or more first portions of the image based on one or more first
scans in the plurality of scans. At block 504, the example method
500 can represent the one or more second portions based on one or
more second scans in the plurality of scans. At block 506, the
example method 500 can organize the plurality of scans such that
the one or more first scans are ordered before the one or more
second scans.
[0063] FIG. 5B illustrates an example method 520 associated with
providing progressive images based on image features, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure. Again, it is contemplated
that there can be additional, fewer, or alternative steps performed
in similar or alternative orders, or in parallel, within the scope
of the various embodiments unless otherwise stated.
[0064] At block 522, the example method 520 can acquire, from a
requester, a request to transmit the image. At block 524, the
example method 520 can transmit, to the requester, one or more
first scans in the plurality of scans. The one or more first scans
can represent the one or more first portions. At block 526, the
example method 520 can transmit, to the requester, one or more
second scans in the plurality of scans. The one or more second
scans can represent the one or more second portions.
[0065] In some embodiments, low-frequency and high-frequency (e.g.,
sharp transitions in intensity and/or color hue) information for
images can be stored separately. In one instance, when
progressively transmitting an image (e.g., when sequentially
transmitting progressive scans representing the image), the
low-frequency information can be transmitted before the
high-frequency information. In some cases, the high-frequency
information can be transmitted first depending on the size or
dimensions of the image and/or of the receiving device. In some
implementations, the progressive transfer can be customized based
on subject matter contained in the image. In one example, an image
of an individual standing in front of the Eiffel tower can be
progressive transmitted by prioritizing the portions of the image
corresponding to the individual and the Eiffel tower over the
remaining portions of the image.
[0066] It is contemplated that there can be many other uses,
applications, features, possibilities, and/or variations associated
with various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in
some embodiments, the disclosed technology can be utilized for
content uploading and/or creation. The disclosed technology can,
for instance, enable progressive upload of media content to the
social networking system when network conditions are slow,
unreliable, or inefficient. In another example, users can, in some
cases, choose whether or not to opt-in to utilize the disclosed
technology. The disclosed technology can, for instance, also ensure
that various privacy settings, preferences, and configurations are
maintained and can prevent private information from being divulged.
In a further example, various embodiments of the present disclosure
can learn, improve, and/or be refined over time.
Social Networking System--Example Implementation
[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates a network diagram of an example system
600 that can be utilized in various scenarios, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 600 includes
one or more user devices 610, one or more external systems 620, a
social networking system (or service) 630, and a network 650. In an
embodiment, the social networking service, provider, and/or system
discussed in connection with the embodiments described above may be
implemented as the social networking system 630. For purposes of
illustration, the embodiment of the system 600, shown by FIG. 6,
includes a single external system 620 and a single user device 610.
However, in other embodiments, the system 600 may include more user
devices 610 and/or more external systems 620. In certain
embodiments, the social networking system 630 is operated by a
social network provider, whereas the external systems 620 are
separate from the social networking system 630 in that they may be
operated by different entities. In various embodiments, however,
the social networking system 630 and the external systems 620
operate in conjunction to provide social networking services to
users (or members) of the social networking system 630. In this
sense, the social networking system 630 provides a platform or
backbone, which other systems, such as external systems 620, may
use to provide social networking services and functionalities to
users across the Internet. In some embodiments, the social
networking system 630 can include or correspond to a social media
system (or service).
[0068] The user device 610 comprises one or more computing devices
(or systems) that can receive input from a user and transmit and
receive data via the network 650. In one embodiment, the user
device 610 is a conventional computer system executing, for
example, a Microsoft Windows compatible operating system (OS),
Apple OS X, and/or a Linux distribution. In another embodiment, the
user device 610 can be a computing device or a device having
computer functionality, such as a smart-phone, a tablet, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), a mobile telephone, a laptop computer, a
wearable device (e.g., a pair of glasses, a watch, a bracelet,
etc.), a camera, a television (e.g., smart TV), a game console, an
appliance, etc. The user device 610 is configured to communicate
via the network 650. The user device 610 can execute an
application, for example, a browser application that allows a user
of the user device 610 to interact with the social networking
system 630. In another embodiment, the user device 610 interacts
with the social networking system 630 through an application
programming interface (API) provided by the native operating system
of the user device 610, such as iOS and ANDROID. The user device
610 is configured to communicate with the external system 620 and
the social networking system 630 via the network 650, which may
comprise any combination of local area and/or wide area networks,
using wired and/or wireless communication systems.
[0069] In one embodiment, the network 650 uses standard
communications technologies and protocols. Thus, the network 650
can include links using technologies such as Ethernet, 802.11,
worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), 3G, 4G,
CDMA, GSM, LTE, digital subscriber line (DSL), etc. Similarly, the
networking protocols used on the network 650 can include
multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), transmission control
protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP),
hypertext transport protocol (HTTP), simple mail transfer protocol
(SMTP), file transfer protocol (FTP), and the like. The data
exchanged over the network 650 can be represented using
technologies and/or formats including hypertext markup language
(HTML) and extensible markup language (XML). In addition, all or
some links can be encrypted using conventional encryption
technologies such as secure sockets layer (SSL), transport layer
security (TLS), and Internet Protocol security (IPsec).
[0070] In one embodiment, the user device 610 may display content
from the external system 620 and/or from the social networking
system 630 by processing a markup language document 614 received
from the external system 620 and from the social networking system
630 using a browser application 612. The markup language document
614 identifies content and one or more instructions describing
formatting or presentation of the content. By executing the
instructions included in the markup language document 614, the
browser application 612 displays the identified content using the
format or presentation described by the markup language document
614. For example, the markup language document 614 includes
instructions for generating and displaying a web page having
multiple frames that include text and/or image data retrieved from
the external system 620 and the social networking system 630. In
various embodiments, the markup language document 614 comprises a
data file including extensible markup language (XML) data,
extensible hypertext markup language (XHTML) data, or other markup
language data. Additionally, the markup language document 614 may
include JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) data, JSON with padding
(JSONP), and JavaScript data to facilitate data-interchange between
the external system 620 and the user device 610. The browser
application 612 on the user device 610 may use a JavaScript
compiler to decode the markup language document 614.
[0071] The markup language document 614 may also include, or link
to, applications or application frameworks such as FLASH.TM. or
Unity.TM. applications, the Silverlight.TM. application framework,
etc.
[0072] In one embodiment, the user device 610 also includes one or
more cookies 616 including data indicating whether a user of the
user device 610 is logged into the social networking system 630,
which may enable modification of the data communicated from the
social networking system 630 to the user device 610.
[0073] The external system 620 includes one or more web servers
that include one or more web pages 622a, 622b, which are
communicated to the user device 610 using the network 650. The
external system 620 is separate from the social networking system
630. For example, the external system 620 is associated with a
first domain, while the social networking system 630 is associated
with a separate social networking domain. Web pages 622a, 622b,
included in the external system 620, comprise markup language
documents 614 identifying content and including instructions
specifying formatting or presentation of the identified
content.
[0074] The social networking system 630 includes one or more
computing devices for a social network, including a plurality of
users, and providing users of the social network with the ability
to communicate and interact with other users of the social network.
In some instances, the social network can be represented by a
graph, i.e., a data structure including edges and nodes. Other data
structures can also be used to represent the social network,
including but not limited to databases, objects, classes, meta
elements, files, or any other data structure. The social networking
system 630 may be administered, managed, or controlled by an
operator. The operator of the social networking system 630 may be a
human being, an automated application, or a series of applications
for managing content, regulating policies, and collecting usage
metrics within the social networking system 630. Any type of
operator may be used.
[0075] Users may join the social networking system 630 and then add
connections to any number of other users of the social networking
system 630 to whom they desire to be connected. As used herein, the
term "friend" refers to any other user of the social networking
system 630 to whom a user has formed a connection, association, or
relationship via the social networking system 630. For example, in
an embodiment, if users in the social networking system 630 are
represented as nodes in the social graph, the term "friend" can
refer to an edge formed between and directly connecting two user
nodes.
[0076] Connections may be added explicitly by a user or may be
automatically created by the social networking system 630 based on
common characteristics of the users (e.g., users who are alumni of
the same educational institution). For example, a first user
specifically selects a particular other user to be a friend.
Connections in the social networking system 630 are usually in both
directions, but need not be, so the terms "user" and "friend"
depend on the frame of reference. Connections between users of the
social networking system 630 are usually bilateral ("two-way"), or
"mutual," but connections may also be unilateral, or "one-way." For
example, if Bob and Joe are both users of the social networking
system 630 and connected to each other, Bob and Joe are each
other's connections. If, on the other hand, Bob wishes to connect
to Joe to view data communicated to the social networking system
630 by Joe, but Joe does not wish to form a mutual connection, a
unilateral connection may be established. The connection between
users may be a direct connection; however, some embodiments of the
social networking system 630 allow the connection to be indirect
via one or more levels of connections or degrees of separation.
[0077] In addition to establishing and maintaining connections
between users and allowing interactions between users, the social
networking system 630 provides users with the ability to take
actions on various types of items supported by the social
networking system 630. These items may include groups or networks
(i.e., social networks of people, entities, and concepts) to which
users of the social networking system 630 may belong, events or
calendar entries in which a user might be interested,
computer-based applications that a user may use via the social
networking system 630, transactions that allow users to buy or sell
items via services provided by or through the social networking
system 630, and interactions with advertisements that a user may
perform on or off the social networking system 630. These are just
a few examples of the items upon which a user may act on the social
networking system 630, and many others are possible. A user may
interact with anything that is capable of being represented in the
social networking system 630 or in the external system 620,
separate from the social networking system 630, or coupled to the
social networking system 630 via the network 650.
[0078] The social networking system 630 is also capable of linking
a variety of entities. For example, the social networking system
630 enables users to interact with each other as well as external
systems 620 or other entities through an API, a web service, or
other communication channels. The social networking system 630
generates and maintains the "social graph" comprising a plurality
of nodes interconnected by a plurality of edges. Each node in the
social graph may represent an entity that can act on another node
and/or that can be acted on by another node. The social graph may
include various types of nodes. Examples of types of nodes include
users, non-person entities, content items, web pages, groups,
activities, messages, concepts, and any other things that can be
represented by an object in the social networking system 630. An
edge between two nodes in the social graph may represent a
particular kind of connection, or association, between the two
nodes, which may result from node relationships or from an action
that was performed by one of the nodes on the other node. In some
cases, the edges between nodes can be weighted. The weight of an
edge can represent an attribute associated with the edge, such as a
strength of the connection or association between nodes. Different
types of edges can be provided with different weights. For example,
an edge created when one user "likes" another user may be given one
weight, while an edge created when a user befriends another user
may be given a different weight.
[0079] As an example, when a first user identifies a second user as
a friend, an edge in the social graph is generated connecting a
node representing the first user and a second node representing the
second user. As various nodes relate or interact with each other,
the social networking system 630 modifies edges connecting the
various nodes to reflect the relationships and interactions.
[0080] The social networking system 630 also includes
user-generated content, which enhances a user's interactions with
the social networking system 630. User-generated content may
include anything a user can add, upload, send, or "post" to the
social networking system 630. For example, a user communicates
posts to the social networking system 630 from a user device 610.
Posts may include data such as status updates or other textual
data, location information, images such as photos, videos, links,
music or other similar data and/or media. Content may also be added
to the social networking system 630 by a third party. Content
"items" are represented as objects in the social networking system
630. In this way, users of the social networking system 630 are
encouraged to communicate with each other by posting text and
content items of various types of media through various
communication channels. Such communication increases the
interaction of users with each other and increases the frequency
with which users interact with the social networking system
630.
[0081] The social networking system 630 includes a web server 632,
an API request server 634, a user profile store 636, a connection
store 638, an action logger 640, an activity log 642, and an
authorization server 644. In an embodiment of the invention, the
social networking system 630 may include additional, fewer, or
different components for various applications. Other components,
such as network interfaces, security mechanisms, load balancers,
failover servers, management and network operations consoles, and
the like are not shown so as to not obscure the details of the
system.
[0082] The user profile store 636 maintains information about user
accounts, including biographic, demographic, and other types of
descriptive information, such as work experience, educational
history, hobbies or preferences, location, and the like that has
been declared by users or inferred by the social networking system
630. This information is stored in the user profile store 636 such
that each user is uniquely identified. The social networking system
630 also stores data describing one or more connections between
different users in the connection store 638. The connection
information may indicate users who have similar or common work
experience, group memberships, hobbies, or educational history.
Additionally, the social networking system 630 includes
user-defined connections between different users, allowing users to
specify their relationships with other users. For example,
user-defined connections allow users to generate relationships with
other users that parallel the users' real-life relationships, such
as friends, co-workers, partners, and so forth. Users may select
from predefined types of connections, or define their own
connection types as needed. Connections with other nodes in the
social networking system 630, such as non-person entities, buckets,
cluster centers, images, interests, pages, external systems,
concepts, and the like are also stored in the connection store
638.
[0083] The social networking system 630 maintains data about
objects with which a user may interact. To maintain this data, the
user profile store 636 and the connection store 638 store instances
of the corresponding type of objects maintained by the social
networking system 630. Each object type has information fields that
are suitable for storing information appropriate to the type of
object. For example, the user profile store 636 contains data
structures with fields suitable for describing a user's account and
information related to a user's account. When a new object of a
particular type is created, the social networking system 630
initializes a new data structure of the corresponding type, assigns
a unique object identifier to it, and begins to add data to the
object as needed. This might occur, for example, when a user
becomes a user of the social networking system 630, the social
networking system 630 generates a new instance of a user profile in
the user profile store 636, assigns a unique identifier to the user
account, and begins to populate the fields of the user account with
information provided by the user.
[0084] The connection store 638 includes data structures suitable
for describing a user's connections to other users, connections to
external systems 620 or connections to other entities. The
connection store 638 may also associate a connection type with a
user's connections, which may be used in conjunction with the
user's privacy setting to regulate access to information about the
user. In an embodiment of the invention, the user profile store 636
and the connection store 638 may be implemented as a federated
database.
[0085] Data stored in the connection store 638, the user profile
store 636, and the activity log 642 enables the social networking
system 630 to generate the social graph that uses nodes to identify
various objects and edges connecting nodes to identify
relationships between different objects. For example, if a first
user establishes a connection with a second user in the social
networking system 630, user accounts of the first user and the
second user from the user profile store 636 may act as nodes in the
social graph. The connection between the first user and the second
user stored by the connection store 638 is an edge between the
nodes associated with the first user and the second user.
Continuing this example, the second user may then send the first
user a message within the social networking system 630. The action
of sending the message, which may be stored, is another edge
between the two nodes in the social graph representing the first
user and the second user. Additionally, the message itself may be
identified and included in the social graph as another node
connected to the nodes representing the first user and the second
user.
[0086] In another example, a first user may tag a second user in an
image that is maintained by the social networking system 630 (or,
alternatively, in an image maintained by another system outside of
the social networking system 630). The image may itself be
represented as a node in the social networking system 630. This
tagging action may create edges between the first user and the
second user as well as create an edge between each of the users and
the image, which is also a node in the social graph. In yet another
example, if a user confirms attending an event, the user and the
event are nodes obtained from the user profile store 636, where the
attendance of the event is an edge between the nodes that may be
retrieved from the activity log 642. By generating and maintaining
the social graph, the social networking system 630 includes data
describing many different types of objects and the interactions and
connections among those objects, providing a rich source of
socially relevant information.
[0087] The web server 632 links the social networking system 630 to
one or more user devices 610 and/or one or more external systems
620 via the network 650. The web server 632 serves web pages, as
well as other web-related content, such as Java, JavaScript, Flash,
XML, and so forth. The web server 632 may include a mail server or
other messaging functionality for receiving and routing messages
between the social networking system 630 and one or more user
devices 610. The messages can be instant messages, queued messages
(e.g., email), text and SMS messages, or any other suitable
messaging format.
[0088] The API request server 634 allows one or more external
systems 620 and user devices 610 to call access information from
the social networking system 630 by calling one or more API
functions. The API request server 634 may also allow external
systems 620 to send information to the social networking system 630
by calling APIs. The external system 620, in one embodiment, sends
an API request to the social networking system 630 via the network
650, and the API request server 634 receives the API request. The
API request server 634 processes the request by calling an API
associated with the API request to generate an appropriate
response, which the API request server 634 communicates to the
external system 620 via the network 650. For example, responsive to
an API request, the API request server 634 collects data associated
with a user, such as the user's connections that have logged into
the external system 620, and communicates the collected data to the
external system 620. In another embodiment, the user device 610
communicates with the social networking system 630 via APIs in the
same manner as external systems 620.
[0089] The action logger 640 is capable of receiving communications
from the web server 632 about user actions on and/or off the social
networking system 630. The action logger 640 populates the activity
log 642 with information about user actions, enabling the social
networking system 630 to discover various actions taken by its
users within the social networking system 630 and outside of the
social networking system 630. Any action that a particular user
takes with respect to another node on the social networking system
630 may be associated with each user's account, through information
maintained in the activity log 642 or in a similar database or
other data repository. Examples of actions taken by a user within
the social networking system 630 that are identified and stored may
include, for example, adding a connection to another user, sending
a message to another user, reading a message from another user,
viewing content associated with another user, attending an event
posted by another user, posting an image, attempting to post an
image, or other actions interacting with another user or another
object. When a user takes an action within the social networking
system 630, the action is recorded in the activity log 642. In one
embodiment, the social networking system 630 maintains the activity
log 642 as a database of entries. When an action is taken within
the social networking system 630, an entry for the action is added
to the activity log 642. The activity log 642 may be referred to as
an action log.
[0090] Additionally, user actions may be associated with concepts
and actions that occur within an entity outside of the social
networking system 630, such as an external system 620 that is
separate from the social networking system 630. For example, the
action logger 640 may receive data describing a user's interaction
with an external system 620 from the web server 632. In this
example, the external system 620 reports a user's interaction
according to structured actions and objects in the social
graph.
[0091] Other examples of actions where a user interacts with an
external system 620 include a user expressing an interest in an
external system 620 or another entity, a user posting a comment to
the social networking system 630 that discusses an external system
620 or a web page 622a within the external system 620, a user
posting to the social networking system 630 a Uniform Resource
Locator (URL) or other identifier associated with an external
system 620, a user attending an event associated with an external
system 620, or any other action by a user that is related to an
external system 620. Thus, the activity log 642 may include actions
describing interactions between a user of the social networking
system 630 and an external system 620 that is separate from the
social networking system 630.
[0092] The authorization server 644 enforces one or more privacy
settings of the users of the social networking system 630. A
privacy setting of a user determines how particular information
associated with a user can be shared. The privacy setting comprises
the specification of particular information associated with a user
and the specification of the entity or entities with whom the
information can be shared. Examples of entities with which
information can be shared may include other users, applications,
external systems 620, or any entity that can potentially access the
information. The information that can be shared by a user comprises
user account information, such as profile photos, phone numbers
associated with the user, user's connections, actions taken by the
user such as adding a connection, changing user profile
information, and the like.
[0093] The privacy setting specification may be provided at
different levels of granularity. For example, the privacy setting
may identify specific information to be shared with other users;
the privacy setting identifies a work phone number or a specific
set of related information, such as, personal information including
profile photo, home phone number, and status. Alternatively, the
privacy setting may apply to all the information associated with
the user. The specification of the set of entities that can access
particular information can also be specified at various levels of
granularity. Various sets of entities with which information can be
shared may include, for example, all friends of the user, all
friends of friends, all applications, or all external systems 620.
One embodiment allows the specification of the set of entities to
comprise an enumeration of entities. For example, the user may
provide a list of external systems 620 that are allowed to access
certain information. Another embodiment allows the specification to
comprise a set of entities along with exceptions that are not
allowed to access the information. For example, a user may allow
all external systems 620 to access the user's work information, but
specify a list of external systems 620 that are not allowed to
access the work information. Certain embodiments call the list of
exceptions that are not allowed to access certain information a
"block list". External systems 620 belonging to a block list
specified by a user are blocked from accessing the information
specified in the privacy setting. Various combinations of
granularity of specification of information, and granularity of
specification of entities, with which information is shared are
possible. For example, all personal information may be shared with
friends whereas all work information may be shared with friends of
friends.
[0094] The authorization server 644 contains logic to determine if
certain information associated with a user can be accessed by a
user's friends, external systems 620, and/or other applications and
entities. The external system 620 may need authorization from the
authorization server 644 to access the user's more private and
sensitive information, such as the user's work phone number. Based
on the user's privacy settings, the authorization server 644
determines if another user, the external system 620, an
application, or another entity is allowed to access information
associated with the user, including information about actions taken
by the user.
[0095] In some embodiments, the social networking system 630 can
include a feature-based progressive media module 646. The
feature-based progressive media module 646 can, for example, be
implemented as the feature-based progressive media module 102 of
FIG. 1. As discussed previously, it should be appreciated that
there can be many variations or other possibilities. For example,
in some instances, the feature-based progressive media module (or
at least a portion thereof) can be included or implemented in the
user device 610. Other features of the feature-based progressive
media module 646 are discussed herein in connection with the
feature-based progressive media module 102.
Hardware Implementation
[0096] The foregoing processes and features can be implemented by a
wide variety of machine and computer system architectures and in a
wide variety of network and computing environments. FIG. 7
illustrates an example of a computer system 700 that may be used to
implement one or more of the embodiments described herein in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The computer system
700 includes sets of instructions for causing the computer system
700 to perform the processes and features discussed herein. The
computer system 700 may be connected (e.g., networked) to other
machines. In a networked deployment, the computer system 700 may
operate in the capacity of a server machine or a client machine in
a client-server network environment, or as a peer machine in a
peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. In an embodiment
of the invention, the computer system 700 may be the social
networking system 630, the user device 610, and the external system
620, or a component thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, the
computer system 700 may be one server among many that constitutes
all or part of the social networking system 630.
[0097] The computer system 700 includes a processor 702, a cache
704, and one or more executable modules and drivers, stored on a
computer-readable medium, directed to the processes and features
described herein. Additionally, the computer system 700 includes a
high performance input/output (I/O) bus 706 and a standard I/O bus
708. A host bridge 710 couples processor 702 to high performance
I/O bus 706, whereas I/O bus bridge 712 couples the two buses 706
and 708 to each other. A system memory 714 and one or more network
interfaces 716 couple to high performance I/O bus 706. The computer
system 700 may further include video memory and a display device
coupled to the video memory (not shown). Mass storage 718 and I/O
ports 720 couple to the standard I/O bus 708. The computer system
700 may optionally include a keyboard and pointing device, a
display device, or other input/output devices (not shown) coupled
to the standard I/O bus 708. Collectively, these elements are
intended to represent a broad category of computer hardware
systems, including but not limited to computer systems based on the
x86-compatible processors manufactured by Intel Corporation of
Santa Clara, Calif., and the x86-compatible processors manufactured
by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif., as
well as any other suitable processor.
[0098] An operating system manages and controls the operation of
the computer system 700, including the input and output of data to
and from software applications (not shown). The operating system
provides an interface between the software applications being
executed on the system and the hardware components of the system.
Any suitable operating system may be used, such as the LINUX
Operating System, the Apple Macintosh Operating System, available
from Apple Computer Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., UNIX operating
systems, Microsoft.RTM. Windows.RTM. operating systems, BSD
operating systems, and the like. Other implementations are
possible.
[0099] The elements of the computer system 700 are described in
greater detail below. In particular, the network interface 716
provides communication between the computer system 700 and any of a
wide range of networks, such as an Ethernet (e.g., IEEE 802.3)
network, a backplane, etc. The mass storage 718 provides permanent
storage for the data and programming instructions to perform the
above-described processes and features implemented by the
respective computing systems identified above, whereas the system
memory 714 (e.g., DRAM) provides temporary storage for the data and
programming instructions when executed by the processor 702. The
I/O ports 720 may be one or more serial and/or parallel
communication ports that provide communication between additional
peripheral devices, which may be coupled to the computer system
700.
[0100] The computer system 700 may include a variety of system
architectures, and various components of the computer system 700
may be rearranged. For example, the cache 704 may be on-chip with
processor 702. Alternatively, the cache 704 and the processor 702
may be packed together as a "processor module", with processor 702
being referred to as the "processor core". Furthermore, certain
embodiments of the invention may neither require nor include all of
the above components. For example, peripheral devices coupled to
the standard I/O bus 708 may couple to the high performance I/O bus
706. In addition, in some embodiments, only a single bus may exist,
with the components of the computer system 700 being coupled to the
single bus. Moreover, the computer system 700 may include
additional components, such as additional processors, storage
devices, or memories.
[0101] In general, the processes and features described herein may
be implemented as part of an operating system or a specific
application, component, program, object, module, or series of
instructions referred to as "programs". For example, one or more
programs may be used to execute specific processes described
herein. The programs typically comprise one or more instructions in
various memory and storage devices in the computer system 700 that,
when read and executed by one or more processors, cause the
computer system 700 to perform operations to execute the processes
and features described herein. The processes and features described
herein may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware (e.g., an
application specific integrated circuit), or any combination
thereof.
[0102] In one implementation, the processes and features described
herein are implemented as a series of executable modules run by the
computer system 700, individually or collectively in a distributed
computing environment. The foregoing modules may be realized by
hardware, executable modules stored on a computer-readable medium
(or machine-readable medium), or a combination of both. For
example, the modules may comprise a plurality or series of
instructions to be executed by a processor in a hardware system,
such as the processor 702. Initially, the series of instructions
may be stored on a storage device, such as the mass storage 718.
However, the series of instructions can be stored on any suitable
computer readable storage medium. Furthermore, the series of
instructions need not be stored locally, and could be received from
a remote storage device, such as a server on a network, via the
network interface 716. The instructions are copied from the storage
device, such as the mass storage 718, into the system memory 714
and then accessed and executed by the processor 702. In various
implementations, a module or modules can be executed by a processor
or multiple processors in one or multiple locations, such as
multiple servers in a parallel processing environment.
[0103] Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not
limited to, recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile
memory devices; solid state memories; floppy and other removable
disks; hard disk drives; magnetic media; optical disks (e.g.,
Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks
(DVDs)); other similar non-transitory (or transitory), tangible (or
non-tangible) storage medium; or any type of medium suitable for
storing, encoding, or carrying a series of instructions for
execution by the computer system 700 to perform any one or more of
the processes and features described herein.
[0104] For purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
description. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the
art that embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced without
these specific details. In some instances, modules, structures,
processes, features, and devices are shown in block diagram form in
order to avoid obscuring the description. In other instances,
functional block diagrams and flow diagrams are shown to represent
data and logic flows. The components of block diagrams and flow
diagrams (e.g., modules, blocks, structures, devices, features,
etc.) may be variously combined, separated, removed, reordered, and
replaced in a manner other than as expressly described and depicted
herein.
[0105] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "other embodiments", "one series of embodiments",
"some embodiments", "various embodiments", or the like means that a
particular feature, design, structure, or characteristic described
in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of, for example, the
phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places
in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually
exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, whether or not there is
express reference to an "embodiment" or the like, various features
are described, which may be variously combined and included in some
embodiments, but also variously omitted in other embodiments.
Similarly, various features are described that may be preferences
or requirements for some embodiments, but not other embodiments.
Furthermore, reference in this specification to "based on" can mean
"based, at least in part, on", "based on at least a portion/part
of", "at least a portion/part of which is based on", and/or any
combination thereof.
[0106] The language used herein has been principally selected for
readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been
selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter.
It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited
not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that
issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure
of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative,
but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth
in the following claims.
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